Excursion into Rapture [for Percy]

[lightningthief]

Rapture is dying. I am sure of that as I explore this place. This is no civilization. It's even more corrupt and twisted as Western Civilization back home. I'm glad I came, though. This gives me something to do besides mope around. I haven't really recovered from the shock of Annabeth's disappearance, so this is a great distraction. I've taken out a few Splicers here and there. There were even a couple that were walking on the walls. I finally have a use for Backbiter other than practice. So far, every one of my challengers has been left dead in the streets.

The names of the Olympian gods are all over this place. It's mostly the Roman forms, but they are more or less the same old gods. That's the biggest reason I'm not surprised at all that this place is falling apart. Even in other worlds, the gods I was born to are having their influence. Seifer told me he heard about a place called Mercury Suites. It's supposed to be a high class place where the rich and powerful gather. It's also named after my own unbeloved father. So, I've taken it upon myself to go check it out. Plus, there's the chance that there's some nice stuff out there that's in need of a new owner.

But for a while now, I've had the feeling of being watched. I backtracked a few times, but didn't find anyone. But now I've decided I won't go any further without figuring out what's going on. I have the feeling the area ahead could be even more dangerous, and I'd rather deal with who or whatever may be following me. I make a sharp turn around a corner, then take a step and crouch down in the shadows. Then I wait quietly.

Comments

[luke-castellan.livejournal.com]

"Fine."

I sure as Hades can't just stand here in front of this place now. All my plans of looting the place are long gone. I can't just be here and feel right. My grip on my sword tightens, and I move it into a ready position.

"Let's go."

I lead the way. I don't trust Percy to lead. I'm much more cunning than him, and better at noticing enemies and traps. Plus, maybe if there are any more enemies on our way back, I'll feel better if I get to unload some of my anger.

[percy_jackson]

I followed him. I could tell that he wasn't happy, but at least he wasn't suicidally murderous.

But as I walked behind him, I looked around at the corridors, at the obvious signs of opulence that had rotted to something evil. Or, possibly, rotted so as to show its true face. What kind of madman would build some place like this? What kind of madness would lead people to make themselves into monsters?

I came at this feeling from an opposite direction as Luke, but I could see why he hated this place.

Finally, I came upon a statue -- clearly of the Great Leader, judging by the heroic pose. And obviously heroically fake. What he really needed was a monocle to go with that moustache.

And, looking at the brick-a-brac that surrounded the statue, what did I see but a marker.

I chuckled. "Heh." And I took the marker, stepped up on the pedestal, and started to draw a circle around the statue's eye.

[luke-castellan.livejournal.com]

As I prowl down the streets and around corners, I'm all business. I'm looking to kill things before they kill me. We're being quiet, cunning, and making progress through the city. Then I hear something behind me...

..what in Hades is Percy..?

My initial reaction is that the kid is nuts. This place is a death field. Not too long ago, I was really close to dishing out a complete inferno. And now....a monocle?

As a surprise to myself, I smile and let out a light huff of a laugh. It's funny. It reminds me of the short time we called each other friends when my service to Kronos was still a secret.

[percy_jackson]

I hopped down from the statue and handed over the marker. "I think that's an improvement, don't you?"

[luke-castellan.livejournal.com]

My eyebrows raise as Percy goes and hands the marker to me. Here I am in a battlezone alongside the guy who's been my archenemy for years, and he's wanting me to join in some silly graffiti? What is Percy expecting here? Why am I even holding this marker?

"You've got to be kidding.."

I look up at the statue.

"Clearly, you haven't been hanging out nearly enough with Travis and Conner Stoll."

I get up onto the statue myself now and draw a bit.

"That's not anywhere near good enough. This calls for freckles, a wagging tongue, and bushy Groucho Marx eyebrows."

I hop down, take an appraising look, then nod. This is amazing. Out of the blue, Percy and I are having some kind of fun moment together. This is so wrong, but whatever.